'Project X' house party thwarted in Miramar, police say

Christopher Dade (Photo courtesy of the Broward…)

March 14, 2012|Juan Ortega, Sun Sentinel

MIRAMAR — An 18-year-old is facing criminal charges and a lawsuit threat after authorities say he vandalized an unoccupied home, then posted a YouTube video promising to host the type of wild party depicted in the new movie"Project X."

The hit film portrays teenagers throwing a property-destroying, drink- and drug-filled celebration.

On Monday, Miramar police arrested Christopher Dade on charges he tried to make "Project X" a reality by promoting an open party at a vacant house at 2136 SW 166th Ave. The property is next door to Dade's home.

Officers learned of the party, billed as "Project X 2," ahead of time and were in place to prevent it. Police said they turned away up to an estimated 2,000 partygoers.

On Wednesday, police were reminding parents to ensure that the parties attended by their children are safe, said Miramar police spokeswoman Detective Yessenia Diaz.

"Something tragic could happen to them," Diaz said. "Who knows what would have happened if this party would have actually taken place?"

Dade, out of jail on bond Tuesday after being charged with one count of burglary and one count of criminal mischief, couldn't be reached for comment despite a visit to his home.

Police said they recovered a YouTube video of Dade, showing him in the graffitied home telling viewers to expect something "insane" at the party, scheduled to last from 8 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The case remains under investigation. Police said they are trying to identify who helped Dade with the party planning. Dade was filmed by an unidentified youth, who is seen turning the lens toward himself in the video, police said.

According to police, Dade broke into the home some time before the party and spray-painted the walls, glass doors, staircase, blinds and other areas. Repairing the damage will take several weeks at a cost of about $20,000, according to Eric Nathanson, a real estate broker with WM Funding, which recently purchased the home through a foreclosure auction.

WM Funding plans to sue for compensation, Nathanson said. "They're going to have to find a way to pay for it," he said. "We've already retained an attorney for civil matters to try and get back our money."

Invitations came from an ad posted on Craigslist, friends sending one another text messages and social websites such as Twitter and Facebook.

All the publicity contributed to the party's demise, police said. Some teenagers looking forward to the party showed up to the vacant house early — the day before — to verify its location.

The teenagers were seen by neighbors, who phoned police to report the suspicious activity. Under police questioning, the visitors discussed the event and police began investigating.